Democrats beginning to make choice for governor

Jeremy AlfordCapitol Correspondent

Sunday

Jul 29, 2007 at 12:01 AM

Analysis.

BATON ROUGE -- The political ghosts in the Hilton Capitol Center here were already stirring when Foster Campbell took the microphone in his hand. The newly restored hotel, benefiting from more than $70 million in renovations, was once the place to stay in Baton Rouge for President John F. Kennedy and, earlier in its life, the legendary haunt of former Gov. Huey P. Long, who often used its notorious underground tunnel.

To be certain, Campbell, a rural politician and lifelong Democrat from Bossier Parish, wasnít channeling the former president from Massachusetts. Comparisons of Campbell to Long have been made for decades. Itís just so easy to do, and his handlers have done little to squelch the association.

Campbell is even jockeying for the Governorís Mansion from his seat on the state Public Service Commission, much like Long did.

In a six-minute speech at the annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner -- where the Democratic elite meet to eat and greet for tickets ranging up to $5,000 -- Campbell managed to touch on education, corruption, consumer rights and environmental concerns while being interrupted by laughter or clapping 15 times. Granted, he could have stacked the crowd, or it could have been the pre-event cocktails, but Campbell brought the house down.

He even addressed parts of his speech directly to former U.S. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, a Democratic presidental hopeful who was seated among an assortment of Louisianaís political superstars. The comments revealed he isnít timid in the presence of power and is comfortable with his audience.

"Itís OK to be a trial lawyer here tonight," Campbell advised his fellow Democrat. "Youíve got a lot of friends."

Largely, however, Campbell put on a show reminiscent of old, Louisiana populism.

"I took on the telephone companies when I passed the ŽDo Not Call List,í " a red-faced Campbell said in his pitchy, country drawl, arms waving wildly. "I took on the railroads when we needed railroad safety in Louisiana."

Even his campaignís central plank smacks of bygone days when state government stared down Standard Oil. The Campbell Plan would eliminate the state income tax on both individuals and businesses, return $3.1 billion back to those same groups and raise future money through a 6 percent fee on all oil and gas processed in the state.

"They owe it to the great state of Louisiana," Campbell told the crowd. "If anybody is worried about the oil companies leaving the state, donít worry about it because they are making $12,500 in net profit per minute."

Campbell left the stage with an ovation lasting nearly half a minute. Someone, whether paid staff or an obsessed fan, from the crowd capped it off: "Now we got a leader!" Of course, there are two Democrats in the race for governor, and state Sen. Walter Boasso was given the same amount of time allotted to Campbell at the fundraiser.

Clearly sweating, the bulky Chalmette native and, more importantly, recent Republican convert, did his best to cheer for the home team.

He was understandably uncomfortable, having come into the fold after being rejected by the GOP for the raceís unambiguous frontrunner, Congressman Bobby Jindal of Kenner.

Boasso, a self-made businessman with one of the best stories to tell in the race (one Nightline Report dubbed him a "hero" in the wake of Katrina), was once a registered Democrat. Still, he was unable to let his natural charm shine as words stumbled out tentatively during his speech.

"I really want to appreciate the warm welcome that the party has given to me in coming back home, and I appreciate that," Boasso said right off the bat.

As for issues, the speech was thin, not unlike his Web site, whose "On the Issues" section features only the words "coming soon." An ill-advised portion of his time was also spent introducing his opponent.

"We have two good Democrats in the race," he said. "Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is a good man."

In return, Campbell pointed to the emperorís clothing.

"I ainít never left yaí," he reminded those gathered. "Iím a Democrat."

The only wild card from this side of the race is New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, who has avoided answering questions about his aspirations directly. Julie Vezinot, communications director for the Louisiana Democratic Party, said there havenít been any formal meetings with party leadership.

And itís noteworthy that Nagin is raising money outside the state while the congressional seat of William Jefferson, a New Orleans Democrat facing federal corruption charges, is in question.

But since the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner on July 21, the insider buzz has been growing around Campbell, she said, adding that the party is not favoring either candidate.

"It appeared to be a great night for him," Vezinot said.

Traditional factions of the party Democrats need to win on a statewide level are also inching over, she added.

"Iíve seen some of those stirrings moving in that direction too in recent months," Vezinot said.

State Rep. Juan A. LaFonta, chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus and Democrat from New Orleans, where the partyís black base largely resides, reported that Campbellís grassroots campaign in well under way in the city, although starting off slow with mostly yard signs.

Boassoís materials, meanwhile, still havenít hit the streets.

"This is going to shape up to be an interesting race," said LaFonta, who has not endorsed a candidate.

In an interview following the dinner speech, Campbell embraced the perceived shift -- although surely wondering why it didnít start when he was the lone Democrat -- and predicted key endorsements from labor and teachers will eventually be secured.

"I donít think thereís any question who the real Democrat is," he said. "I have 32 years of helping people as a Democrat, and I have never thought about switching parties. Iím one of the strongest white Democrats youíll find in Louisiana."

Boasso shrugged off the assessment, still touting one of his own polls that shows a 10-percentage-point drop for Jindal and a boost from 6 percent to 21 percent for him -- this after spending $1.3 million for television ads to increase his name recognition.

And therein resides the most noticeable difference between Campbell and Boasso: money.

Boasso spent more on media than Campbell has in his account right now, which is roughly $1.2 million. Presently, Boasso has only $232,000 on hand himself, but he has already loaned his campaign $1.4 million and can dig deeper if needed.

Campbell, meanwhile, is challenged in his fundraising.

In the end, Boasso said, his opponent is Jindal, the frontrunner who held at more than 50 percent in Boassoís own poll.

Heís meeting with black Democratic mayors around the state -- Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden introduced him for his announcement speech -- and staffers warn not to underestimate the burgeoning organization.

While there might be a shift heading in another direction, Boasso said he has the time, resources and energy to play it out.

"The Democratic support I am getting comes from those who are ready for someone to take the fight to Bobby Jindal," Boasso said. "They are looking for someone who is willing to challenge Bobby Jindal on his record of following the incompetence of President Bush in Iraq and in New Orleans. And, ultimately, they are looking for someone who can beat Bobby Jindal. They know I am that Democrat."

Jeremy Alford can be reached at jeremy@jeremyalford.com.

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